Super-Fast Broadband Packages

Broadband internet is a description of internet services delivered at a speed faster than standard 'dial up' copper wire services. Various forms of providing this technology exist, using different technology. The oldest technology is ADSL, which is now considered more expensive and less reliable than other forms. The primary technology currently used, delivered down a 'standard' phone line (which is actually at the end of an upgraded network) is ADSL, which makes use of frequencies available on the telephone line that are not used for voice data calls.

This technology has been developed in a number of forms, and the current ADSL 2 standard is now able to offer maximum download speeds to customers of 12Mbps. Some providers are currently also working with an improved standard, ADSL 2+. This is able to offer speeds of up to 24Mbps, and is available from providers such as O2, Be Unlimited, and others, such as Be*, Orange and Talk Talk are working with the technology in limited areas or on a small scale basis. It is expected that almost half of the UK population will be within an area served by ADSL 2+ by the end of 2009.

The actual speed received by each individual customer, however, depends on distance away from the upgraded network 'main line'. It is impractical to upgrade the entire network straight into every property, so ADSL 2+ is generally being provided up to street level, giving the maximum possible speed to an area without needing to dig up every road or driveway. There is potential for speeds up to a lightning fast 95Mbps with connection straight into the property, which has successfully been tested by BT and might be made available to some addresses in the future, once street level provision is more widely in place.

Another technology for delivering super fast broadband is via a cable line. This technology differs entirely from that used for ADSL broadband services, and the infrastructure is made up of high speed fibre optic cables. Cable services in the UK are currently only offered by Virgin Media, who own and operate the cable network, and act as retailer for all cable services, which is in contrast to the arrangement for ADSL services.

Cable currently offers the fastest home broadband speeds available in the UK, up to 50Mbps, after Virgin Media upgraded its network in the UK in 2008. One of the biggest drawbacks of this broadband option, however, is the fact that access depends on whether you live in an area where cable has been installed. As it is up to one company to do this, cable is currently only available to around half of the UK population.

Furthermore, the highest broadband speed is unlikely to be available to all customers, as it depends on living close to an area where services have been upgraded, although Virgin Media expect to have their 50Mbps roll out completed by the end of 2009. Virgin Media also offer ADSL services to those living outside of a cable area, which is currently only available up to 8Mbps. However, Virgin, along with other internet providers, have indicated they may make use of BT's ADSL 2+ services in the future to offer maximum speeds to all customers.